ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Railways
850 ‘One Station One Product’  outlets are operational at 782 stations
- OSOP scheme has been launched with objectives to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of Govt. of India
At present, 850 ‘One Station One Product’  outlets are operational at 782 stations over Indian Railways including 5 outlets over Ranchi Division. Parliamentary constituency-wise data of OSOP outlets is not maintained by Indian Railways.
‘One Station One Product’  scheme has been launched by Indian Railways with objectives to promote ‘Vocal for Local’ vision of the Government of India, provide a market for local /indigenous products and create additional income opportunities for the marginalised sections of society. Features of the OSOP scheme are as under:
- Railways to provide standard design outlets-fixed stalls /kiosks, portable stalls/trolleys at railway stations for showcasing, selling and giving high visibility to indigenous/local products.
- The products category is indigenous/Geographical Indications  tagged/local to that place and could include artefacts, handicrafts, textiles and handlooms, toys, leather products, traditional appliances/ instruments, garments, gems and jewellery, etc made by local artisans, weavers, craftsmen, tribes, etc and processed, semi processed and other food products indigenously made/grown in the area.
- Individuals at the bottom of the pyramid/marginalised and weaker sections and self help groups to be encouraged.
- Allotment for a period from 15 days up to 3 months with a nominal registration fee for participation in the Scheme.
- Allotment is to be done to all applicants who meet objectives of the scheme on rotation basis.
The beneficiary category under this scheme includes the following:
- Individual Artisans
- Individual Craftsman
- Individual Weavers
- Tribals
- Farmers
- Members of Self Help Group
- Members of Women Self Help Groups
- Members associated with registered Micro Enterprises
- Members associated with Social Organisations, State Govt Bodies, etc
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Banks get ₹5,729 crore from “Depositor Education and Awareness”  Fund towards refund of settling unclaimed deposits
The “Depositor Education and Awareness Fund Scheme, 2014”, was notified by Reserve Bank of India , which covers norms related to unclaimed deposits and outlines details of utilisation of fund including, inter alia, promotion of depositors’ interests and other purposes as may be specified by the RBI. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
The Minister stated that as a result of various steps undertaken to return the unclaimed deposits to their rightful owners/claimants, total ₹5,729 crore has been transferred from “Depositor Education and Awareness”  Fund to banks towards refund of settling unclaimed deposits, in last five-years. The details of unclaimed deposits of public and private sector banks transferred to DEA Fund as on 31st March of last five-years, are at Annex.
Giving more information, Dr Karad stated that RBI has taken various steps to reduce the quantum of unclaimed deposits and return such deposits to rightful claimants. Banks are, inter-alia, advised to –
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- display the list of unclaimed deposits which are inactive/inoperative for ten years or more on the bank’s websites;
- find the whereabouts of the customers and their legal heirs to return unclaimed deposits to the rightful claimants;
- formulate board approved policy on classification of unclaimed deposits; and
- put in place a grievance redressal mechanism for quick resolution of complaints, record keeping, and periodic review of unclaimed deposit accounts.
Further, the Minister stated, RBI has announced to set-up a Centralised Web portal for public to search unclaimed deposits across multiple banks.
RBI has also launched campaign “100 Days 100 Pays” for banks to trace and settle top 100 unclaimed deposits of every bank in every district of the country within 100 days, commencing from 1.6.2023 to 8.9.2023, the Minister stated.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
42.34 Cr. Vaccine Doses administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
3,04,68,079 total recoveries across the country so far
Recovery Rate currently at 97.36%
38,740 patients recovered during last 24 hours
India reports 35,342 new cases in last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload currently at 4,05,513
Active cases constitute 1.30% of total cases
Weekly Positivity Rate remains below 5%, currently at 2.14%
Daily positivity rate at 2.12%, less than 3% for 32 consecutive days
Testing capacity substantially ramped up – 45.29 cr tests total conducted
Finance Commission
Fifteenth Finance Commission to visit Punjab
Headed by Chairman Shri N.K. Singh The Fifteenth Finance Commission will be visiting the State of Punjab from 29 January to 1 February, 2019. This will be the 17th State that the Commission will be visiting.
The Commission will begin its visit with meetings with Representatives of the Panchayat Raj Institutions  and the Urban Local Body  . This will be followed by a meeting with the representatives of political parties in the State. The next date of Commission is scheduled to have detailed meeting with the State Government headed by the Chief Minister of Punjab along with other Cabinet Ministers of the State and Senior Officials.
The Commission will also visit Amritsar where it will hold meetings with the State Representatives of Trade and Industry. It will also do site visits to see development works happening in the state.
Prior to its visits to Punjab, the Commission has been holding detailed briefing meetings with the A.G. of Punjab, the Chief Secretary of Punjab as well as with the Central Government regarding issues pertaining to the State of Punjab.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between India and Equatorial Guinea for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine
The Union Cabinet Chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between India and Equatorial Guinea for Cooperation in the field of Traditional Systems of Medicine. The MoU was signed on 8th April, 2018.
The MoU will enhance bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the areas of Traditional Systems of Medicine.
The financial resources necessary to conduct research, training courses, conferences/ meetings and deputations of experts will be met from the existing allocated budget and existing plan schemes of Ministry of AYUSH.
Background:
The Traditional Systems of Medicine in India are well organized, codified and well documented comprised of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy. These systems hold tremendous potential in the global health scenario. The Ministry of AYUSH having the mandate to promote, propagate and globalize these Traditional Systems has taken effective steps by entering into MoU with Malaysia,Trinidad & Tobago, Hungry, Bangladesh, Nepal, Mauritius, Mongolia, Iran and Sao Tome & Principe for cooperation in the field of Traditional Medicine.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Shri Bhupender Yadav and French ambassador hold discussions to further strengthen activities in 2022 under the Indo-French Year of Environment.
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav today held a virtual meeting with H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Lenain, French Ambassador to discuss issues relating to One Ocean Summit; Cooperation on Plastic Pollution, Global Treaty on Plastics; High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction ; and COP15.
In the Meeting, Shri Yadav stated that the One Ocean Summit will be an opportunity to gather political leaders and all stakeholders ready to make a decisive contribution with bold, tangible and actionable initiatives and commitments, however, India is fully determined to protect its maritime interests, while it supports the maintenance of rule-based maritime systems, as mandated under UN Convention on the Law of Seas , 1982, emphasised the Environment Minister.
The Union Minister also underlined the urgent need for action to prevent and reduce marine litter, but stressed voluntary domestic action by countries.
Mr Yadav also mentioned announcement made by our Prime Minister of India during World Environment Day 2018 for elimination of single-use plastics in India by 2022.
In the meeting, both sides also discussed in detail the issues concerning High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity beyond National Jurisdiction , and how it should not undermine existing relevant legal instruments, frameworks and relevant global, regional and sectoral bodies.
Both sides further discussed how COP 15 will help in developing a holistic Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework  taking into account poverty eradication, means of implementation and resource mobilization, etc.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen activities in 2022 under the Indo-French Year of Environment.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Construction of Outdoor Stadium at Chayangtajo in East Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh
In order to develop and promote sports in the region and also to encourage and promote the highly talented youths of the area to rise not only in the national but also in the international level as well, North Eastern Council, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region  have sanctioned a project for construction of Outdoor Stadium at Chayangtajo in East Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh.
The project was sanctioned in 2015 for a project cost of Rs. 392.34 Lakhs, out of which NEC share was 90% of the project cost and remaining 10% was borne by the State Government. The project was implemented by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh.
MG/RNM/SB
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles loss of lives in an accident in Andhra Pradesh
PM condoles loss of lives in an accident in Andhra Pradesh
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives due to an accident in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh.
“Pained by the loss of lives due to an accident in AP’s Chittoor District. Condolences to families of the deceased and prayers with the injured”, the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on the special occasion of Baisakhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted people on the special occasion of Baisakhi.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Baisakhi greetings to everyone. I pray that this festival furthers the spirit of joy and well-being in our lives. May everyone be blessed with success and prosperity."
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Ministry of Science & Technology
Indian astronomers detect huge optical flare in one of the oldest astronomic objects
Indian Astronomers have reported one of the strongest flares from a feeding supermassive black hole or blazar called BL Lacertae. Analysis of the flare from this blazar, one of the oldest astronomical objects, can help trace the mass of the black hole and the source of this emission. Such analysis can provide a lead to probe into mysteries and trace events at different stages of evolution of the Universe.
Blazars or feeding supermassive black holes in the heart of distant galaxies receive a lot of attention from the astronomical community because of their complicated emission mechanism. They emit jets of charged particles traveling nearly at the speed of light and are one of the most luminous and energetic objects in the Universe.
BL Lacertae blazar is 10 million light-years away and is among the 50 most prominent blazars that can be observed with the help of a relatively small telescope. It was among the 3 to 4 blazars that was predicted to be experiencing flares by the Whole Earth Blazar Telescope , an international consortium of astronomers.
A team of astronomers led by Dr. Alok Chandra Gupta from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences , an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Government of India who had been following the blazar since October 2020 as part of an international observational campaign detected the exceptionally high flare on January 16, 2021, with the help of Sampurnanand Telescope  and 1.3m Devasthal Fast Optical Telescopes located in Nainital.
The data collected from the flare observed will help calculation of the black hole mass, size of emission region, and mechanism of the emission from one of the oldest astronomical objects known, hence opening a door to the origin and evolution of the Universe.
The luminosity of BL Lac observed on 27 October 2020  was around 2.951012 Lʘ and after 80 days, i.e., 16 January 2021  was ~ 7.251012 Lʘ, i.e., ~ 250% increase in the luminosity which is equivalent to more than 4 trillion Lʘ .
The link to Astronomical Telegram #14343 with the announcement of blazar BL Lacertae's luminosity record: http://www.astronomerstelegram.org/?read=14343.
For more details, Dr. Alok Chandra Gupta   can be contacted.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
PIB, Kolkata Pays Tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Kolkata, October 31, 2018
As Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled the tallest statue of the world named the Statue of Unity in commemoration of 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, fondly known as the Iron Man of India, the entire country observed the birth anniversary of the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, with due honour as the National Unity Day. Press Information Bureau , Kolkata too observed the birth anniversary of the Indian statesman, the Iron man of India with due dignity today. As a part of the function, the former Director General of All India Radio, News Dr P K Bandyopadhyay delivered a very lively lecture on Sardar Patel’s administrative acumen and disclosed the fact that a book has been written by him on Sardar which will be released on November 8, 2018 in the city.
Dr Bandyopadhyay also spoke on Gandhiji’s influence on Sardar Patel as both of them hailed from the identical historical and cultural background and said that the only time when Patel differed with Gandhiji was during the days of interim Government. Dr Bandyopadhyay spoke in length about how Sardar Patel’s statesmanship worked for giving a strong foundation of Indian Civil Services. He also had a lively interaction with the audience.
In the beginning, Joint Director , Shri Chinmay Chakravarty gave his welcome address. The Dy Director of Publications Division Shri Khurshid Mallick and Dy Director  of PIB, Kolkata too spoke on the occasion. Publications Division too exhibited several books & periodicals on Sardar Patel.
A documentary on Sardar Patel, titled ‘Sardar Patel: A Nation Stands United’ by Films Division was also screened on the occasion, including two other short films.
Ministry of Railways
Cabinet approves Grant of Organized Group ‘A’ Status to Indian Railway Protection Force  Service
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved Grant of Organised Group 'A' status to Indian Railway Protection Force  and consequential benefits of Non-Functional Financial Upgradation  with effect from 01-01-2006 and Non-Functional Selection Grade  @ 30% of Senior Duty Post  with effect from 06.06.2000, as per Department of Personnel and Training guidelines dated 24.04.2009 and 06.06.2000 respectively and subsequent instructions thereon.
Major Impact
Grant of status of Organized Group 'A' service to RPF will end stagnation, improve career progression of the officers and keep up their motivational level. Eligible officers of RPF will get benefitted.
Background
High Court of Delhi vide its order dated 4-12-2012 had directed Railways to grant Group 'A' Service status to RPF. Same was upheld by Hon'ble Supreme Court of India on 5-2-2019. Accordingly, Railway Board had proposed for grant of Organised Group 'A' Service status to RPF.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for Distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices to Divyangjan under ADIP Scheme in Sonitpur, Assam.
A ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for distribution of aids and assistive devices to ‘Divyangjan’ under the ADIP Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India was organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  in association with ALIMCO and District Administration Sonitpur today at Kalaguru Sangeet Mahavidyalaya, Tezpur, Sonitpur District of Assam.
Ku. Pratima Bhoumik, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, the Chief Guest of the function inaugurated the camp virtually through video conference in the august presence of Shri Ashok Singhal, Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs, irrigation, Government of Assam, Shri Pallab Lochan Das, Member of Parliament, Tezpur constituency and Shri Prathviraj Rabha, MLA, Tezpur who participated ‘in person’ at main venue of the function in Sonitpur District, Assam.
A total of 3445 Aids and Assistive devices of different categories with value of worth Rs. 199.60 Lakhs are to be distributed free of cost among 1808 pre identified Divyangjan in phase manner who were assessed during assessment camps organized by ALIMCO in the various location of Sonitpur District.
Different type of assistive devices which will be distributed among identified Divyangjan beneficiaries in a phase manner who were registered during assessment camps at Block Level which includes 154 Motorized Tricycle, 231 Tricycle, 429 Wheelchairs, 832 Crutches, 140 Walking Sticks, 127 Rollators, 60 Smart Phone, 183 Smart Cane, 26 Braille Kit, 08 Braille Slate, 02 Cane, 110 C. P Chair, 278 MSIED Kit, 05 ADL Kit  with Cell phone and 852 Hearing Aid
The camps is conducted under the Scheme of Assistance to Disabled Persons  for Purchase/Fitting of Aid/Appliances  is one of the most popular scheme for providing assistive aids & appliance to Divyangjans and is organized by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India , a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been identified as the implementing agency of the ADIP scheme in association with States/Districts authorities.
Shri Deba Kumar Mishra Dy. Commissioner, Biswanath District and senior ALIMCO officials will also be present during the function.
Youtube Link of the above event is as under:-
https://youtu.be/Ac5vYzTHm-Q
MG/DP/RK
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Dr Jitendra Singh performs the Bhoomi Poojan of AIIMS Jammu, a 750 bed hospital with Super Specialty Departments
Nine medical colleges also sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir in addition to the two AIIMS, one in Jammu and other in Kashmir: Dr. Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State  Development of North-Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today performed the “Bhoomi Poojan” ceremony of the AIIMS building in Jammu. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir is the only State/Union Territory in the country to have been allocated two AIIMS- one in Jammu and other in Kashmir. He thanked the Prime Minister for his focus on development in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on the same lines as that of the development and success story of the North Eastern States. Dr. Singh said that nine medical colleges have also been sanctioned in Jammu & Kashmir in addition to the two AIIMS. He said that the new work culture of the Government working for welfare of the people beyond vote bank politics has greatly benefitted the people.
The Union Government had approved the proposal for establishment of AIIMS at Jammu at Vijaypur, District Samba under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana  in January 2019.
The foundation stone of AIIMS, Jammu was laid by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 3rd February last year. Estimated to be built at a cost of Rs. 1661 crores, the project is being executed by CPWD. It is projected to be completed in 30 months by August, 2022. It has a total build up area of 22,315 sqm. Once completed, AIIMS Jammu would be a 750 bed hospital with super specialty Departments. It shall also have a medical college and a nursing college. The AIIMS will be a green building incorporating the state of the art equipment and technology.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister felicitates 150 COVID Widows for attaining skill development training
Mumbai/Pune, 6 May 2022
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar today in Pune felicitated and awarded certificates to more than 150 COVID widows who have attained skill development training in trades like tailoring, beauty & wellness, and herbal product making. This program to make them self-reliant and earn a dignified living called ‘Umed Jagar’ has been launched by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation  along with Symbiosis Skills University.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister Dr. Virendra Kumar said, “We firmly believe that every individual has a right to live a dignified life. COVID has created innumerable challenges in the lives of citizens, and a lot of families suffered both financially and emotionally”. He congratulated the organizers for coming together for such a noble cause and creating an opportunity for women to stand on their own feet. The Minister expressed hope that this program will grow further and reach more and more people in need of upliftment.
The event was also attended by Rajesh Patil IAS, Hon’ble Municipal Commissioner, PCMC, Dr. S B Mujumdar, Chancellor, SSPU, Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro Chancellor, SSPU, and Dr. Ashwini Kumar Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, SSPU.
Women of the program Umed Jagar today earn their livelihood through self help groups, small business opportunities that are brought to them by Symbiosis Skills University and selling hand made herbal products. Symbiosis Skills University also takes their products to its industry partners and students so that women earn their living. This skill training and livelihood model is evolving fast and making a very positive impact on lives of the pandemic affected families.PIB Pune | JPS/SC/DR
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Special Service and Features
705 Grams of Gold worth 35.38 Lakhs seized by Chennai Air Customs
Based on the Intelligence, Chennai Air Customs Officers, have intercepted one male passenger, who arrived from Dubai by Air India Airlines flight 6E66 on 27.02.2023. On examination of his person 3 bundles of containing gold in paste form wrapped with adhesive tape concealed in his body were recovered resulting in recovery of totally weighing 705 grams valued at 35.38 Lakhs was recovered and seized under the customs Act 1962.
Further investigation is under progress,  Additional Commissioner of Customs Chennai International Airport